Honda to Introduce New Spec for Spa

Honda will introduce a new improved spec engine in time for qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of August, Jordan technical director Gary Anderson revealed at Hockenheim.

The Japanese engine manufacturer introduced an all-new engine in Canada at the start of June. They upgraded it for the French Grand Prix last weekend, and will introduce another step in a month's time.

"We will have a new evolution for Spa," Anderson said. "We will use it in qualifying there, and then we will use it in the race at Monza. We hope it will bring an improvement."

Irish-owned Jordan is rumoured to part company with Honda after two years of a three-year deal at the end of the season, and it is understood that they have not been impressed by the performance of the engine.

Honda also supplies British American Racing, and they are expected to strengthen their links with the Brackley-based team as they begin to dissolve their association with Jordan.

Sources close to Honda have suggested the new powerplant was heavier and less powerful than the old when it was introduced, but it is thought that it has more potential in the future.